Legislative Process
What are the names of the two chambers of state legislatures?
House of Representatives and the Senate
Definition of lobbying
When people try to influence decisions made by the
government, like laws or policies.
how many readings are mandatory in each branch (house AND senate) in the general court
3 each
Why do conference committees form
if house and senate dont agree on the same exact version of the bill
name a level one priority of the masscosh legislative agenda
•Strengthen heat stress protections for workers
•Enhanced rights and protections for temporary workers
•Support worker re-entry in the cannabis industry
Who can introduce policy ideas to the state legislature?
legislators, governor, citizens
Who does lobbying allow to be directly involved with the democratic process?
the people/ constituents
what kind of report does a bill have to receive in the first reading to move to the committee on steering and policy?
favorable
How does a bill get its initial number, also called a docket number?
Filed w clerks office, filed in docket book that lists bills as they are filed, clerk then assigns each bill a number
name a level 2 priority of the mc la agenda
•Combat wage theft with employer accountability
•Restrict public contracts for employers with poor safety records
•Promote fair wages for all workers, including service and agricultural workers
•Increase access to record sealing and re-entry support for formerly incarcerated individuals
•Address toxic substances in consumer products and environmental contamination
What is a joint committee?
Committee comprised of both House and Senate members
what is one reason you would hold a lobby day
•To help your campaign understand what legislators’ positions are on issues
•To help your campaign influence legislators regarding legislation
•To help your campaign to gain visibility
•To demonstrate the campaign’s ability to coordinate and organize
•To show the strength of your campaign, which may bring new volunteers, supporters, partners and donors into your group
•To demonstrate that your campaign and those connected to it are educated and committed
•To engage volunteers in your campaign, which helps with volunteer retention
•To provide an opportunity to earn media attention
What committee does the bill go to if it involves state finances?
ways and means
What is the bill filing deadline?
Under Joint Rule 12 of the Joint Rules of the Legislature, it’s the third Friday in January at 5 PM (Governor may file at any time)
name a type of heat-related injury
heat cramps, heat stroke, heat exhaustion
Name 2 steps on how a bill becomes a law?
Options:
1. someone introduces bill to legislature
2. the bill is added to docket book and receives number
3. bill goes to joint committee
4. goes through any of the three readings
5. committee on bills in 3rd reading
6. could go to conference committee
7. gets enacted
8. sent to gov for final steps
what can be lobby day objectives
To educate legislators
To determine their positions
To advocate for/ against
To find sponsors for legislation
what reading does a bill get placed on the calendar for
second reading
What options do the house and senate have for a conference committee report AND what can they not to a cc report?
can approve or reject, cannot ammend
what standards are being pushed for heat stress protections
•Employees shall have access to drinking water that is fresh, pure, suitably cool, and provided free of charge
•Shade shall be present when the temperature exceeds 80 degrees Fahrenheit and employees should be encouraged to take a preventative cool-down rest in the shade to protect themselves from overheating
•Employees shall receive training on the environmental and personal risk factors for heat illness
What does a house bill docket number start with? What does a senate bill docket number start with? have to answer both
h and s
what are two day-of tasks/ roles you could have at a lobby day
time keeper
note taker
keeping legislator on track
getting legislator to commit to something
what is the primary role of the committee on bills in the third reading
review bills for legal technicalities and proper form before third reading
How can a legislator file a late bill?
By receiving approval from the committees on Rules of the two branches + two thirds approval of the members of each branch.
name a SPECIFIC bill number we might lobby for based on the presentation
h3995
s1355
s1367
h2172
s 1353
s 1300
h 2094
h 182
s 84
h 4160